We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Skin & Hair Products The Best Sunburn Relief Gels and Lotions To Soothe Inflamed Skin Our top picks have cooling sensations for instant relief and the right ingredients to help you heal faster By Shannon Ullman Updated on May 17, 2023 Medically reviewed by Leah Ansell, MD Fact checked by Rich Scherr Print Verywell Health / David Hattan Feeling the sun on your skin is a simple pleasure, but, as with many things, too much of it can be very bad indeed. In this case, too much sun exposure can result in a nasty sunburn that leaves your body sore, inflamed, itchy, and tender. Because this condition is so common among U.S. adults, having a method of sunburn relief that is as dependable as it is soothing is essential. Sunburn relief gels and lotions provide just that: relief from red, painful skin caused by too much sun exposure. By combining anti-inflammatory ingredients like aloe vera, green tea, and vitamin E, these formulas can reduce irritation and relieve that uncomfortable burning sensation that can follow a beach day. These products are ideal for minor sunburns that go away on their own, but if you start blistering or experience any symptoms of dehydration, you should call your doctor. The right ingredients and texture are essential for sunburn relief products to be effective. So we spoke to dermatologists and researched all the most popular formulas to find the products that actually soothe your skin. A board-certified dermatologist from our Medical Expert Board reviewed the contents of this article for medical accuracy surrounding what to look for in sunburn relief gels and lotions, how often to apply them, and the fastest way to get rid of a sunburn. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Banana Boat Soothing Aloe After Sun Gel at Amazon ($12) Jump to Review Best Budget: Australian Gold Aloe Vera Freeze Gel at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Gel: Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best Lotion: Burt's Bees After-Sun Soother at Amazon ($18) Jump to Review Best Spray: Solar Recover After Sun Moisturizing Spray at Amazon ($23) Jump to Review Best for Face: FaceTory Aloe Vera Soothing Sheet Mask at Amazon ($14) Jump to Review Best For Kids: THINK Aloe Vera After Sun Relief Gel at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Natural: Pura D'Or Healing Organic Aloe Vera Gel at Amazon ($15) Jump to Review Best For Lips: Dr. Dan's Cortibalm Healing Lip Balm at Amazon ($8) Jump to Review Best For Itching: Silver Miracles Colloidal Silver Gel at Amazon ($16) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Health Best Overall Banana Boat Soothing Aloe After Sun Gel Amazon View On Amazon $12 View On Walmart $10 View On Walgreens $9 Pros Comes with two bottles Reef-friendly Contains vitamin E Cons Off-putting smell Some find it sticky Banana Boat's Soothing After Sun Gel is a trusted sunburn relief formula that has been helping to calm irritated skin for decades. This non-greasy, aloe-based gel contains vitamin E, which both soothes your sunburn and replenishes lost moisture from sun exposure. While you can find a low-cost single bottle in many mainstream retailers, Amazon has a killer deal for a two-pack. So you can throw one in your beach bag as a precautionary measure and keep the other in your home first aid kit. Most everyone loves the fact that this gel doesn't contain oxybenzone or octinoxate (two chemicals known to cause coral bleaching), but not everyone loves the smell or consistency. But even with these minor preference issues, Banana Boat's Soothing After Sun Gel remains one of the most trusted sunburn relief formulas on the market. Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Aloe vera | Size: 16 ounces per bottle | Type: Gel Best Budget Australian Gold Aloe Vera Freeze Gel Walmart View On Amazon Pros Contains lidocaine Soothes itchiness Cooling sensation Cons Contains Ianolin, which some people are allergic to May be drying Sometimes all you need is a good, budget-friendly sunburn relief product to get the job done. Australian Gold Aloe Vera ticks both boxes—it's affordable, and it works. Its formula contains lidocaine, which is an analgesic that numbs the skin on contact for pain relief. It also has lemon peel, comfrey, and spearmint extracts that help soothe itchiness and deliver an immediate cooling effect. While its fragrance-, alcohol-, gluten- and PABA-free formula is great for most skin types, it also contains lanolin, a waxy substance that some people may be allergic to. Additionally, this formula may be slightly drying if you use it on your face. Still, it's unbelievably affordable and does what it says it does—relieve sunburn symptoms without breaking the bank. Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Lidocaine | Size: 8 ounces | Type: Gel Best Gel Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel Amazon View On Amazon $20 View On Sevenminerals.com Pros 100% pure aloe Doesn’t leave behind sticky residue Good for everyday use Cons Smell may be off-putting Slightly expensive When your skin is at its most irritated, the last thing you want to do is experiment with a bunch of ingredients that could make it worse. That’s why Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel is our top pick for gel—its formula is 98.7% organic aloe vera that's harvested straight from freshly cut aloe leaves. No added water, alcohol, or unnecessary ingredients. The gel has a thick consistency thanks to agar, a natural thickening agent that's derived from seaweed, and it quickly absorbs into the skin, leaving behind nothing but a soft glow. Some people are not a fan of the smell, and it is a little pricey for a single bottle. But when you're at the mercy of a nasty sunburn, this naturally soothing remedy is worth it. Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Aloe vera | Size: 12 ounces | Type: Gel Best Lotion Burt's Bees After-Sun Soother Walgreens View On Amazon $18 View On Walmart $11 View On Vitacost Pros Moisturizing ingredients Creamy consistency Paraben-free Cons Off-putting smell Texture is a little watery Cooling gels are not for everyone. If you prefer a more moisturizing lotion, allow us to introduce you to Burt's Bees After Sun Soother. This lightweight formula is enriched with aloe vera and coconut oil to help soothe the burn while also replenishing lost moisture. Something that gel formulas have a hard time doing. This product's creamy consistency feels like heaven on sunburnt skin, and it has a formula practically made for sensitive skin, given that it's paraben-free. Some people find the smell unappealing—if you don't like lemons, you won't like this—and the texture a bit watery. But if you're trying to calm a sunburn and avoid rough, scaly skin the next day, this lotion will do the trick. Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Aloe vera | Size: 6 ounces | Type: Lotion Best Spray Solar Recover After Sun Moisturizing Spray Amazon View On Amazon $23 View On Solarrecover.com Pros Relieves dryness Year-round moisturizer Natural ingredients Cons Expensive Not as strong as other formulas Being in the sun all day zaps your skin of moisture and leaves you feeling dry. That's why this after-sun spray from Solar Recover is a must-have item in your beach bag. Its water-based formula with vitamin E and calendula relieves dryness on contact while soothing burns and itchiness. This spray can be used year-round as a moisturizer after other skin-drying situations like swimming in chlorine, and its combination of natural ingredients is great for all skin types. The only downside? It’s pricey, and some people might find that it doesn’t work as well as other formulas—especially if you're trying to prevent peeling. Still, if you're looking to keep your sun-exposed skin hydrated, this spray will definitely do the job. Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Vitamin E | Size: 12 ounces | Type: Spray Best for Face FaceTory Aloe Vera Soothing Sheet Mask Amazon View On Amazon $14 View On Walmart $10 View On Facetory.com Pros Cooling sensation feels great on burns Contains nourishing jojoba oil Great for sensitive skin Cons Temporary relief Must leave on for 10-15 minutes If your cheeks got a little rosier than intended, the FaceTory Sun Bae Aloe Vera Soothing Sheet Mask is here to save the day. These pre-cut sheet masks are made with aloe leaf extract and jojoba oil, two ingredients that work hard to reduce redness and irritation on your face. Plus, it has a cooling sensation similar to aloe vera gels that feels oh-so-good on sunburnt skin. As with most sheet masks, this one gives you temporary relief that lasts for a few hours after use. Unlike gels or lotions that allow for multiple applications for as long as the sunburn lasts, you will have to apply a new sheet mask each time you need relief. The other downside? You'll have to leave this particular one on for 10-15 minutes for it to work, so plan accordingly. All that said, this is a super-soothing option if you're looking for something specifically formulated for your face. Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Aloe vera | Size: 3.9 ounces | Type: Sheet mask Best For Kids THINK Aloe Vera After Sun Relief Gel Amazon View On Amazon View On Thinksun.com Pros Moisturizing Gentle formula Great for sensitive skin Cons Not a ton of reviews A little pricey If you're concerned about harsh chemicals or ingredients that are too strong for your little one's sensitive skin, the Thinksport Kid's Aloe Vera After Sun Relief Gel is an excellent option. It's formulated with gentle ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, and witch hazel that are non-irritating and moisturizing. So, not only does it soothe the burn, but it helps keep skin from drying out. We love that the formula is reef-friendly (another sign that it's safe for kids' skin) and that it's vegan and cruelty-free. But it is a little expensive, so you can always opt for a cheaper, sensitive-skin-friendly option if you're on a budget. Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Aloe vera | Size: 8 ounces | Type: Gel Best Natural Pura D'Or Healing Organic Aloe Vera Gel Purador View On Amazon $15 View On Walmart $16 View On Purador.com Pros Lavender-infused USDA-Certified organic Large bottle Cons Pump may be hard to use On the watery side If you're looking for a natural solution to your sunburn woes, Pura D’or Organic Aloe Vera Gel is definitely worth considering. This USDA-Certified organic gel is made of cold-pressed aloe vera, lavender, glycerin, honeysuckle extract, and other natural ingredients to soothe and moisturize your irritated skin. Unlike other cooling gels, this one is designed to leave your skin feeling silky and soft—not tacky or sticky. Scent is not an issue with this product, thanks to the lavender infusion that offers a tranquil aroma and hydration. Plus, the large 16-ounce bottle should last you a while. One potential downside of this product is its pump—it can be difficult to use. Some reviewers said they had to purchase a separate pump to make it easier. Additionally, the gel itself is a bit on the watery side, so don't expect a thick consistency like other brands. Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Aloe vera | Size: 16 ounces | Type: Gel Best For Lips Dr. Dan's Cortibalm Healing Lip Balm Amazon View On Amazon $8 View On Walmart $8 View On Drdanslipbalm.com Pros Affordable Relieves chapped lips Works within 24 hours Cons Off-putting smell Has an aftertaste Burnt lips are no fun, but thankfully Dr. Dan's Cortibalm is here to help. This balm has been around for decades and is known for its fast-acting relief of chapped lips. It helps to soothe the pain from sunburned lips quickly—the brand claims you'll notice a difference within 24 hours of applying. Those quick results are thanks to the 1% hydrocortisone, which reduces inflammation and stops pain. In addition to sunburns, this balm also works on cold sores, cracked lips, and other types of lip irritation. The only downside is the smell—some people find it unpleasant. Additionally, people say that it has an aftertaste when applied to your lips. Despite this, its effectiveness and price point make it a no-brainer if you're looking for a fast-acting lip balm. Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Hydrocortisone | Size: 0.15 ounces | Type: Balm Best For Itching Silver Miracles Colloidal Silver Gel Amazon View On Amazon $16 View On Walmart $16 View On Silvermiracles.com Pros Made with pure silver Clean ingredients Great for sensitive skin Cons Small tub Slightly expensive If you're dealing with itchy, dry skin from a sunburn, Silver Miracles Colloidal Silver Gel is a great option to help relieve both. This gel is made with pure silver, which is known for its natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. With silver making up 99.999% of the formula, it's got to be one of the shortest lists of ingredients around, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin. Unscented and ultra-cooling, this gel absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving a silky finish without any residue. Unfortunately, the container isn't very large, so you might need to restock fairly frequently if you're using it daily. Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Silver | Size: 4 ounces | Type: Gel How We Selected the Best Sunburn Relief Gels and Lotions Finding products that provide immediate relief and lasting nourishment for sunburned skin takes a lot of digging. We compiled a list of all the top-rated gels and lotions and compared them to the recommendations we received from dermatologists, skincare experts, and other medical professionals. In this list, we prioritize products that offer fast relief and work for all skin types. We also look for soothing ingredients like aloe vera as well as moisturizing agents, like vitamin E lavender and coconut oil. We also spoke to dermatologists and estheticians to find out what you should look for when choosing shopping for sunburn relief, including Kenneth Mark, MD, a NY-based cosmetic dermatologist, and Rachel Lee Lozina, an esthetician at Blue Water Spa in New York. What to Look For in Sunburn Relief Gels and Lotions Ingredients One important factor in choosing the best sunburn relief gels and lotions is finding one with the right ingredients. Aloe vera is a common ingredient for treating sunburns—and Mark says there's a good reason why. “Aloe is also incredibly soothing and facilitates healing due to its anti-inflammatory properties,” he says. However, it's not the only useful ingredient. “Green tea is a potent antioxidant that is anti-inflammatory and also helps minimize the sun's cancer-causing effects.” Vitamin E is also antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and provides sun protective effects. Lozina said other ingredients to look for include oatmeal, cucumber, coconut oil, and witch hazel. “These all help to contribute to the wound-healing effect of extensive UV radiation, which causes the skin to be hot, inflamed, and possibly peel,” she says. Type While specific products for the face (like sheet masks) and lips (like balms) exist, there are generally three kinds of sunburn relief products you'll find: gels, lotions, and sprays. Gels are by far the most popular, thanks to their cooling sensation. And while many gels can offer great relief, Mark says to check the ingredient label first. "By definition, a sunburn is sensitive, inflamed, and irritated skin," he says. "Even though gels are purported at times to be 'cooling,' one should avoid [some] gels as they are typically drying and contain alcohol and could add to the discomfort and stinging. On the other hand, ointments such as Aquaphor can be incredibly soothing, especially for when the skin is dry and peeling in the aftermath of the burn." Consistency Rachel Lee Lozina, an esthetician at Blue Water Spa in New York, prefers cream-based sunburn relief as well. "Gels generally feel better on the skin because usually they have lidocaine in it, a topical numbing agent, or there’s menthol in it which can contribute to a cooling sensation. But inherently, creams do a better job at moisturizing the skin, so I would say have both, but reach for the cream more often, especially after the initial sunburn phase of the skin is over." Frequently Asked Questions Is lotion or gel better for sunburn relief? If both types contain ingredients for sunburn relief, like aloe vera, choosing a lotion or gel is a personal preference. You may find the lotion feels more hydrating to the skin long-term and the gel may feel more cooling when first applied. How often should I apply sunburn relief gel or lotion? Mark recommends applying any sunburn relief gel or lotion at least three to four times a day for as long as symptoms last, and make sure to reapply moisture, as sunburns can dehydrate the skin. What is the fastest way to get rid of a sunburn? Mark recommends taking ibuprofen for the first 48 hours and applying a sunburn relief gel or lotion three to four times a day along with moisturizer to rehydrate the skin. Are there any ingredients to avoid in sunburn relief gels or lotions? Mark recommends avoiding anything with alcohol, as it can irritate or sting the skin. Why Trust Verywell Health Shannon is a writer who focuses on health and wellness. Her work can be found on sites like Insider Inc. and MindBodyGreen. As a frequent hiker and kayaker, she often needs a good sunburn relief gel to help after long days outdoors. She prefers aloe vera gels, and used PURA D'OR Organic all last summer. 1 Source Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Holman DM, Ragan KR, Julian AK, Perna FM. The context of sunburn among U.S. adults: Common activities and sun protection behaviors. Am J Prev Med. 2021 May;60(5):e213-e220. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2020.12.011 By Shannon Ullman She's been a writer and editor for more than 10 years. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit